Peters wants to move from House to Senate

Residents got a chance to get their first glimpse of a Democratic candidate seeking to replace U.S. Sen. Carl Levin Thursday afternoon.

By Richard Croftonrichard@cheboygantribune.com

Residents got a chance to get their first glimpse of a Democratic candidate seeking to replace U.S. Sen. Carl Levin Thursday afternoon.U.S.Rep. Gary Peters was at the Cheboygan County Democratic Party meeting to meet and listen to residents about what was on their mind."Carl (Levin) is one of my mentors," the candidate said. "I have looked up to him for years and years."Peters said he decided to give up his House seat and run for the senate, because it is important to him."We have to move beyond the auto sector now," Peters told the audience. "Small businesses need resources to grow."Peters is no stranger to the political arena having served in the house since 2009 and before that was the state lottery commissioner under then Gov. Jennifer Granholm."Issues I have been working on have focused on the economy and middle class families," he said. "Those are the kinds of things that drive me."Peters was asked how he could overcome the deadlock that has existed in Congress for several years."It is not easy to work with some folks. Things don't get done, in the House particular," he said. "We have voted on health care bill for the 37th time two weeks ago. All of Congress is not like that. I try to work on a bipartisan level."The candidate said another reason for the gridlock is that those currently serving are not problem solvers."People are not looking at practical problem solving," he said. "That is the kind of approach I have."Peters said his main plank is the economy and jobs."We still are recovering from what happened in 2008 and 2009," he said. "Small businesses are what I have worked on from Day 1 in Congress."Peters also said he will continue to work on bipartisanship."I think it is so important," he said. "I think we have to find middle ground and work in a bipartisan manner."The candidate from the Detroit area also said he cannot do it alone."It is possible to find some middle ground," he said. "It is up to our voters to say enough is enough and find people who are willing to find middle ground and solve problems."Peters also said it should be possible for Cheboygan to get some funds for dredging the Cheboygan River and the channel out to Lake Huron."There is some funding for dredging," he said. "We need to make a concerted effort to secure those funds for Michigan. To open up that port with the economic activities associated with that will be very powerful for Cheboygan. It is something we should be able to fight to bring some federal money to do that."When asked why people in the area should vote for him, he relied on his past experiences."I have spent years in business, I have served in the military and that is the kind of experience people want in the Senate," Peters said. "I am very accessible. I am everywhere; all over the state. You can't be a representative for the state of Michigan if you are not out all over the state."

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